KURNAI YOUTH HOMELESSNESS SERVICE

VACCA established the Kurnai Youth Homelessness Service in the early 1990’s to support young people in hostel accommodation.  In 1997 the program changed to provide Transitional Support and Referral.  Kurnai focuses on supporting young people aged 15 to 25 years to develop skills and connections that will enable them to maintain safe and secure long term housing in the Latrobe Valley.

 

Program Aims:

• To provide a culturally appropriate support service to Indigenous youth with accommodation needs, especially those who are experiencing issues of homelessness.
• To provide case management, assessment, support and referrals to Indigenous youth in the Latrobe Valley aimed at addressing accommodation needs.
• Develop programs that focus on prevention and early intervention in regard to Indigenous youth homelessness, such as life skills programs.
• Facilitate the involvement of Aboriginal families and community members in the support of Indigenous youth accommodation for people at imminent risk of homelessness.
• Work with homeless Indigenous youth to improve short and long term accommodation outcomes and enhance life skills.
• Provide a professional quality service that works closely with all relevant Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders.
• Participate in regional forums on youth accommodation and homelessness to ensure that an Indigenous perspective is articulated.

Our staff will:

• Focus on establishing access to secure and safe housing.
• Provide cultural support and guidance to young people so as to enhance their connection with their culture.
• Strengthen the links between the young person and their family.
• Provide support that focuses on the young person and, where possible, is inclusive of their family.
• Work with key services in providing a comprehensive support and after care plan for young people.
• Provide links to educational and vocational opportunities.
• Ensure client access to community supports and entitlements.